Once untouchable now questioned as Real Madrid midfielder’s decline continues | OneFootball

Eduardo Camavinga’s current situation at Real Madrid is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. 

Once spoken about as a cornerstone of the club’s future midfield, someone who can be the leader in the post-Modric-Kroos era, the Frenchman now finds himself in a far less secure position. 

What was meant to be a season of consolidation has instead turned into a worrying slide, one that has left supporters questioning his role and influence.

After struggling to find rhythm for much of the campaign, Camavinga was handed a starting role against Levante. 

It was seen as an opportunity to reset, to show authority and remind everyone of his qualities. Instead, the first half quickly turned into a nightmare. 

He looked overwhelmed, short on ideas, and disconnected from the tempo of the match. Understandably, his performance raised serious concerns.

A disgruntled performance

The lack of impact was so evident that Alvaro Arbeloa did not hesitate to act. 

Camavinga was substituted at half-time, with Arda Guler introduced in his place. The contrast was immediate and painful. 

Where Camavinga had slowed the game, Guler injected urgency, verticality, and imagination. The match shifted the moment the Turk stepped onto the pitch.

Eduardo Camavinga failed to assert his authority. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

With Camavinga on the field, Real Madrid looked flat and predictable. The ball moved side to side with little penetration. 

He avoided risk, opting to retain possession rather than attempt forward passes that could break lines. 

Defensively, his contribution was minimal. He rarely won the ball back and failed to impose himself physically or tactically. 

Against a Levante side that did not aggressively press him, Camavinga still appeared unsure and hesitant, as if lost within his own role.

What about the numbers?

On paper, the statistics paint a far kinder picture than the reality, as he completed 42 of his 49 passes, an accuracy rate of 86%. 

In the opponent’s half, he found a teammate with 28 of 33 passes (85%), while in his own half he completed 14 of 16 (88%). He even registered a shot on target. 

But numbers alone do not tell the full story. Several careless losses of possession stood out, including one that directly led to a dangerous free kick just outside Real Madrid’s penalty area.

This is what makes Camavinga’s decline so alarming. The talent is still there, but the authority, confidence and influence appear to be fading.